INSHAN ISHMAEL has launched an Islamic cable channel single-handedly but not without many struggles.

Speaking from his head office at ROC Imports in Bamboo Settlement No.2, Ishmael said it was approximately about a year and a half ago that he had a vision to launch an Islamic station called Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN).

The reason for this was, he thought, Muslims in the country are blamed and targeted for the actions of a few.

“And it is not only in Trinidad but all over the world. For this reason, you see that Muslims have no voice of their own and there was no way for them to start to answer; and this, I found, needed urgent attention.”

He said a large part of the programme is dedicated to providing assistance to the poor.

“Very rarely we see an imam being asked to give his thoughts on something. You see the priest or pundit, though.

“IBN not only filled a gap but it is quality programming,” he said.

Ishmael said the launch of an Islamic station has transcended borders and, according to him, there are both Muslim and non-Muslim viewers who have said that the station is like, “a breath of fresh air”.

So impressive is the station’s programmes, he said, he found himself increasing all his half hour shows to 90-minute segments. Both distinguished surgeons Vijay Naraynsingh and Rasheed Rahaman were guests on one show called “Let’s Talk Cancer”.

In keeping with the Islamic position, the channel does not accept advertising from any alcohol or cigarette-producing company. Advertisements from banks are not accepted as well since Muslims do not believe in ribaa or “interest rates”.

However, anyone is accepted on the show, once the intention is not to promote racism, anarchy and non-Islamic views.

“Islam means peace.

“This religion is not about radicalism.

“There is no place for this.

“Up to now we don’t believe Osama Bin Laden was responsible for September 11 and 70 per cent of Americans do not believe so as well.”

As for the recent arrest of Yasin Abu Bakr, he views this as someone not being given a “fair chance”.

“I don’t care who you are but I believe a person is innocent until proven guilty.

“The strange thing about this incident was that no one was around while they were searching his premises.

“The police are claiming they found ammunition.

“Why would anyone be so stupid to keep that on his premises when he knows that the State is keeping a close eye on him?”

He added: “I hope people are not being arrested because of public pressure.”

This is not to say Ishmael supports the radicalism that Bakr and his men are alleged to have invoked. He said of this: “I will never agree with what he said.”

It is alleged that Bakr in his Eid khutba (sermon) called for the rich Muslims in the country to give zakaat or there would be, he foresees, bloodshed. He has been charged with sedition as a result.

Look out for live shows on IBN on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and at 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; while on weekends live shows will be broadcasted from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Children, Ishmael said, are forsaking their favourite television show Sesame Street to watch a show on IBN called Adam’s Will.

Thirty-seven-year-old Ishmael said the response from society has been exceptional and he is still bewildered by the amount of people telling him he has done a wonderful thing.

He stated, very proudly, that he has had calls from Jamaica, New York, Canada, St. Lucia and Barbados seeking to get a feed.

Asked about competition from other local cable channels, Ishmael said he does not want to bombard the viewers with too much advertisements and his programmes are longer with less repeat shows.

The channel also offers free burials for Muslims if the family cannot afford to do it themselves, along with schoolbooks for both Muslims and non-Muslims and building repairs for those who cannot afford it.

He thanked lecturers Khalid Yaseen, Harun Yah Yah and the Cable Company of Trinidad and Tobago (CCTT) for their support.